1Those travelers with an adventurous spirit who have traveled Mexico from border to border and have visited not only those places that aren’t among the paradisiacal places where everyone wants to vacation or retire, surely know what a Pueblo Magico is. For travelers who have already visited the center or south of the country, including states such as Puebla, Oaxaca or Chiapas, this name will not sound strange to them. And for those tourists who want to leave the comfort of their resort or those who visit Mexico for the first time and want to have a real approach to Mexican culture, history and traditions, in this post we will tell you what are and where are the Pueblos Magicos in Quintana Roo.
What is a Pueblo Magico?
A Pueblo Magico is a town in Mexico that meets several requirements, the main ones being to protect and preserve their cultural wealth and to reflect the identity and history of Mexico through its streets, its buildings and traditions.
The towns that are named as Pueblos Magicos receive recognition from the Mexican government as well as financial support to boost their growth as a tourist destination.
In 2001, Huasca de Ocampo, in the state of Hidalgo, was named as the first Pueblo Magico in the country. Currently there are 132 Pueblos Magicos throughout the Mexican territory, with the State of Mexico and Puebla being the states with the largest number with 10 each.
Why visit a Pueblo Magico?
The Pueblos Magicos are a window to the history of Mexico, in many of them important events for the life of Mexico occurred, in many others ancient traditions are preserved, while in others the influence of the period prior to the conquest of the Spanish and the period during which Mexico was a Spanish colony can be apreciated.
In these towns you can find cultural activities dating back hundreds of years, traditions that have been passed down through generations, historical monuments, gastronomic delicacies and natural activities.
The geographical location of the Pueblos Magicos is very varied, they can be towns with a cold climate in the middle of the mountains at more than 8,800 feet above sea level such as Real del Monte, as well as towns full of mysticism surrounded by a lush jungle, like San Cristobal de las Casas, or coastal towns where marine fauna is abundant.
What Magical Towns can I visit near Playa del Carmen?
In Quintana Roo, the state where the beautiful cosmopolitan Playa del Carmen is located, there are three Pueblos Magicos, all close to Playa del Carmen
Bacalar
Bacalar is a picturesque Magic Town in the Mexican Caribbean, where lovers of history, nature, adventure, and cultural manifestations, find a perfect setting. Fill yourself with energy with the majestic and unique Seven Colors Lagoon, with its crystalline waters. Visit the Fort of San Felipe, the Parish of San Joaquin, and many more corners.
Delight yourself with typical dishes of the region; due to its geographical location, this paradisaical destination has a strong influence on the Yucatecan and Belizean gastronomy.
Remember … Visit us responsibly, avoid bad practices, with the common goal of preserving and at the same time, enjoy without impacting.
Tulum
Tulum is a Magic Town that offers a spiritual and relaxing feeling. With an eco-chic atmosphere, it is the perfect place to enjoy peace and tranquility. With beautiful white sand beaches, lagoons, cenotes, and caverns that show the beauty of nature in all its splendor. The archaeological site, the hotel zone, and the town are the three areas that make up Tulum.
You may like this: How to make Tikin Xic Fish, Typical Food of Quintana Roo.
The excellent gastronomy that is cultivated in Tulum offers the richest flavors of Quintana Roo, among succulent dishes made with seafood and fish and various stews also popular in Yucatecan gastronomy such as turkey panuchos, cochinita pibil and salbutes.
Isla Mujeres
Isla Mujeres is a Magic Town with a romantic and relaxed atmosphere. With great natural wealth, Mayan vestiges, and Caribbean culture; located only 6 kilometers northeast of Cancun. It is ideal to enjoy water activities such as scuba diving, snorkeling, boat rides, catamarans and kayaks, zip lines over the sea, sport fishing, and much more.
If you want to visit Isla Mujeres, check the ferry prices here.
There is no doubt that Quintana Roo is one of the most beautiful places in the world. These 3 magical places can confirm it. If you are in the area and haven’t visited yet, you must do it!
